Building a Romantic Gazebo Addition

Figure B

Steps:

1. Before starting your project, devise a blueprint for the gazebo deck addition (figure B). Call the local utility companies before digging, and track the sun's path to make sure certain areas were or were not shaded during the day.

The homeowners chose to use a pre-assembled gazebo kit for convenience, ease of installation, and durable quality. Note: Because this gazebo is an addition to a deck, the decking floor will serve as the gazebo floor, as well.

2. Begin the foundation by installing the support beams. Bury the beams with 2' of cement in the ground. If you live in a cold region, you will need to position the support beams deeper to get below the frost line.
3. Attach the 2" by 8" sleeper beams to the posts.
4. Connect the 2" by 16" joists 16" on center along the sleeper beams.
5. Finish the foundation by attaching 5 ¼" decking board on top of the joists with 2-1/2" galvanized screws for maximum holding strength.

Figure C

6. Find the center of the gazebo on the decking. Stand the pre-assembled wall panels in place, and locate the door space. Work to the right of the door, tacking in the first wall section. Line up the second wall section with the first, and screw the two together.Once all the walls are in place, make sure the panels are on center with the deck. Check the alignment along the top and bottom edges and measure from the center point to each corner, to make sure the placement is equal (figure C).

7. Attach each panel to the deck using 3" screws. Note: Most kits come pre-drilled. 8. Fasten the adjoining wall sections together using 3" screws. 9. Attach the exterior wall fillers with 3" screws.

10. Fasten the trim pieces to the space where the two wall panels meet along the interior using 8-penny finishing nails.
11. Attach the door.
12. Assemble the roof ring upside down, securing the outer ring around the roof structure with screws.
13. With at least four people, lift the ring and flip it over. Use 2 ½" screws to attach the lower rafters along the base of the ring. With two people on both sides of the ring, lift the roof into place, securing the rafters into the grooves along the top of the wall panels (figure D).
14. Attach the other four rafters for a total of eight rafters, and secure them in place with screws.
15. Once the lower roof structure is in place, attach the two upper rafters to each side of the kingpin. Use two screws on either side of the rafters to make sure they are secured in place.
16. Lift the kingpin and rafters into place, and secure in position above the lower roof structure with screws. Repeat the process for the remaining rafters. Be sure to have at least one person hold the kingpin upright until the first four rafters are in place.

Figure D

17. To attach the roof panels, start with the upper roof structure. Lift the panels into place, and secure with 2-1/2" screws along every other row of shingles. Position the screws just below the previous shingle, and angle the screws toward the rafter.
18. Staple the flashing tins under each row of shingles to help protect the roof from water leaks.
19. Cover the tins with the ridge cap assembly, and fasten in place with screws. Make sure to align the end of the assembly with the point of the roof panel.
20. Center the copper rain cap over the peak of the gazebo, and screw the decorative finial on top.
21. Attach facia board with the beveled edge along the top of the outer portion of the roof sides. Attach the board along the underside of the roof panel.
22. Attach the screens by inserting the top edge first. Position the bottom screen edge, and latch the screen to secure it in place. Tip: Consider installing a ceiling fan with a light kit in the gazebo for entertaining both day and night.

Figure E

Joe's Backyard

The art of container gardening is the simple method of arranging plants with consideration to various design elements such as color and texture (figure E). And what better way to add color to your deck or patio then with a container filled with vibrant flowers of all shapes and sizes?

Figure F

1. To create your own container garden, select a container. Use either a clay or plastic pot. Self-watering pots like this one (figure F) reduce the time and maintenance required for container gardening.
2. Select a good potting soil that holds both moisture and nutrients.
3. Determine which plants you enjoy, and experiment with different color combinations such as blue, purple, and burgundy.